Official Course Information

Biology Courses:

Catalog Description:
Explores the biology behind genetic inheritance. Introduces concepts and topics in human heredity such as: the structure and function of genes and chromosomes, the role of meiosis in mutation, gamete formation, and reproduction. Two class hours, two lab hours. Prerequisite: Completion of the Genesee Community College reading proficiency. (Not for credit in Math/Science curriculum or students with credit in BIO 205).

Lecture: 2 hrs.Lab: 2 hrs.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs):
On successful completion of the course, as documented by tests, laboratory reports, and/or presentations, students will demonstrate the ability to:

Scientific Method
1.*Develop a hereditary hypothesis and outline a mating pair experiment to distinguish between different forms of gene transmission on autosomes or sex chromosomes.
a.From the mating pair experiment(s), analyze offspring data and draw conclusions regarding the mode of gene transmission from parents to offspring.
b.Present these results in a written report.

Inheritance
1.*Describe how meiosis separates duplicated pairs of chromosome sets into unpaired and complete chromosome sets in gametes.
2.Explain why meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction, and how meiosis and sex together produce genetically variable offspring.
3.Describe the structure of human chromosomes and the function of genes in the process of inheritance.
4.Explain how different forms of mutation occur, and how these mutations can be sexually transmitted.
5.Identify multigenic traits in humans and explain why these traits seem to be inherited by "blending".
6.Know the genetic diseases and metabolic disorders most frequently identified by newborn screening in New York.
7.Identify the genetic basis for these diseases and disorders.
8.Describe the different outcomes for children born with these different genetic diseases or disorders after diagnosis.

Laboratory Skills:
1.Display, as directed by the instructor, appropriate practices in the laboratory, if using chemicals, sharps, or biological specimens.
2.Use human trait data to construct and interpret pedigrees.
3.Estimate frequency and probability for simple human traits using hypothetical mating pairs with known genetic type.
4.Identify the different forms of gene transmission (autosomes or sex chromosomes) for simple human traits using hypothetical mating pairs with known genetic type.
5.Use human trait information to illustrate the transmission and inheritance of traits for genes on autosomes versus sex chromosomes.
6.Use adult height data to illustrate why multiple genes underlie continuous human traits.

* This course objective has been identified as a student learning outcome that must be formally assessed as part of the Comprehensive Assessment Plan of the college. All faculty teaching this course must collect the required data and submit the required analysis and documentation at the conclusion of the semester to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.